The Ideal Winter Skincare Routine for Dry Skin
by Lena Rose Esthetician, Gina
A well composed skin care routine is essential to battle the cold winter air, especially for dry skin types. My approach to a skin care routine is simple and smart. Copy these steps 1-2 times per day (morning and night) for skin that loves you back! These are the basic essentials of a good winter skin care routine:
Step 1: Cleanser
Cleansing your skin with a gentle yet effective cleaner is the first step. In this step we want to gently cleanse the skin of any impurities while delivering hydration, moisturizing oil, and soothing ingredients. I recommend cleansing morning and night to ensure your other products have no trouble penetrating into your skin. A good choice for dry skin types would be Apoterra's Aloe + Rose Complexion soap. This soap is not like your traditional bar soaps, its like a foaming cleanser without the pump and plastic! Your skin will feel soft, moisturized and never stripped.
Step 2: Toner
The second step is incorporating a hydrating toner. This is one of the most important steps for all year round but especially during the winter season. During the winter our skin becomes more dehydrated from increased use of heaters inside, lack of consuming water throughout the day, etc. We must focus on increasing both internal and external water-based hydration. Adding a toner to your skincare routine is like a big drink of water for your skin. It will feel plumper, hydrated, soothed, and happy! It is important to find a toner that includes more than just water-based hydrators. Phytonutrients that help brighten, strengthen and repair our skin is very helpful this season.
A great option would be Laurel's Hydrating Elixir I. This elixir incorporates beautiful hydrosols that help deliver and hold its hydration, whole plants that are antioxidant and nutrient rich. Adding in a hydrating toner will be your best kept secret! Apply your hydrating toner on freshly cleansed skin, before applying your serum and moisturizer.
Step 3: Serum
The third and often overlooked step is adding in an appropriate moisturizing serum to your routine. An Oil based serum is the star of your routine. Serums are the most active part of your skincare routine and often contain the powerhouse ingredients you need to really change your skin. My recommended serum would be Apoterra’s Rose Nourishing Facial Oil. This lightweight, antioxidant rich oil delivers the right amount of moisture while working on brightening, calming and firming your skin. And if the benefits weren’t good enough, you’ll also enjoy the relaxing aroma of rose every time you apply it. Apply your serum morning and night after your hydrating toner.
Step 4: Moisturizer
The last step to your perfected winter routine is adding a protective layer. This is essentially an extra layer of moisture offering a denser, protection layer between your skin and the cold air. An important ingredient that all protective layers should contain are ceramides and fatty acids that help support our skin’s natural lipid barrier. A healthy lipid barrier is essential for healthy, happy skin. Any damage to the lipid barrier will result in transepidermal water loss (dehydration), redness and irritation. For this step I always recommend using a balm versus a thicker cream. Balms melt so beautifully into our skin and penetrate easier, resulting in better acting products and a velvet finish.
If you are struggling with increased sensitivity along with dry skin, I would recommend using Laurel's Recovery Balm. This balm is an incredible healer for anyone who suffers with redness of any kind and dryness. If you are experiencing dullness and hyperpigmentation instead, I would recommend the Apoterra Vitamin C Regenerative Balm. This balm still offers great ceramides and moisturization while also bringing potent vitamin C that helps plump fine lines and wrinkles, repair hyperpigmentation and bring out a beautiful glow. Apply a pea sized amount of your balm as the last step to your routine.
If you are applying SPF in the mornings, allow your balm to soak into your skin for a few minutes before applying your SPF.
Additions for Extra Self-Care
If you are wanting a little longer routine to enjoy more self-care at home then these next two products are for you.
Exfoliant (1/week)
Even though our skin is more dehydrated in the winter, it’s still important to gently exfoliate at home. Gently exfoliating will help slough off dead skin cells and increase circulation, resulting in a rosy glow and a smooth texture. My go to exfoliant for dry skin types is Laurel's Almond Rose Exfoliant. This dry grain exfoliator removes dead skin cells while infusing the skin with hydration and nutrients. This also acts as an amazing hydrating mask that plumps and soothes tired, dull skin. Since this product comes as a dry grain mixture, you must mix it with water to create a gentle paste. Start by exfoliating once a week and increase your usage to twice a week if needed.
Masks (1-2 times/week)
Last but not least is indulging in a hydrating mask once or twice a week. A great option is Laurel's Gentle Mask. This mask is a dry powder mix of flowers, herbs and roots. Offering deep hydration, noticeable plumpness, and instant soothing relief. Just like the exfoliant, you must mix this dry powder with water and allow the product to steep like tea before applying. Let sit for 10-30 minutes and reconnect with yourself(care).
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